Coffee & Conflict – Details, episodes & analysis

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Coffee & Conflict

The National Security Institute

Government

Arts

News

Frequency: 1 episode/32d. Total Eps: 19

Coffee and Conflict brings you in-depth conversations with leading authors, offering fresh insights into today’s most pressing national security, foreign policy, and intelligence challenges. Hosted by Joshua Huminski, Senior Fellow at the National Security Institute and Senior Vice President for National Security and Intelligence Programs at the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress, each episode delves into key global issues through the lens of recently published books.

In Season 1, Coffee and Conflict explores critical topics, including the war in Ukraine, the evolving defense strategies of the 21st century, and the intensifying rivalry between the U.S. and China. Tune in every two weeks for engaging discussions that unpack these complex dynamics and their impact on the global stage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
09/06/2026
#90
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08/06/2026
#60
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07/12/2025
#97
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
19/04/2025
#84
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
18/04/2025
#51
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
11/04/2025
#86
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
10/04/2025
#51
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
05/04/2025
#100
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
04/04/2025
#78
🇬🇧 Great Britain - government
03/04/2025
#48

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RSS feed quality

Good

Score global : 79%

Publication history

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Episode 1: World on the Brink with Dmitri Alperovitch

Season 1 · Episode 1

Thursday, September 12, 2024 • Duration 37:25

Episode 1: World on the Brink with Dmitri Alperovitch

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski is joined by Dmitri Alperovitch, NSI Advisory Board member and Chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator, to discuss his new book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century. Alperovitch argues that the U.S. is already in a new Cold War with China, with Taiwan as a potential flashpoint. He outlines a strategy to deter conflict while ensuring America's primacy against a rising China.

How likely is broader conflict in the Taiwan Strait region, starting with an invasion of Taiwan by China? Should we begin viewing our relationship with China through the lens of a new era of strategic competition? Is the U.S. prepared for this evolving geopolitical landscape?

You can learn more about World on the Brink and purchase a copy of the book here: https://worldonthebrink.com/

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@DAlperovitch from @SilveradoPolicy

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Teaser Episode: Introducing Coffee and Conflict a National Security Institute Podcast

Season 1 · Episode 0.5

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 • Duration 02:44

Check out a preview from the first episode of NSI's latest podcast Coffee and Conflict. The clip features Dmitri Alperovitch, Chairman of the Silverado Policy Accelerator and NSI Advisory Board member, discussing his latest book, World on the Brink: How America Can Beat China in the Race for the Twenty-First Century.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 2: The War for Ukraine with Major General Mick Ryan (Ret’d) AM

Season 1 · Episode 2

Thursday, September 26, 2024 • Duration 40:10

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski is joined by Major General Mick Ryan (Ret’d) AM, Senior Fellow at the Lowy Institute, to discuss his new book, The War for Ukraine: Strategy and Adaptation Under Fire. Ryan argues that the Russia-Ukraine war highlights the crucial role of sound strategy and adaptability in determining military success. He emphasizes how both nations’ pre-war reforms and their ability to adjust tactics during the conflict, alongside strong leadership and institutional learning, are vital lessons for strategists and policymakers.

How can the U.S. and NATO evolve their support for Ukraine from defense to a strategy aimed at securing victory in the conflict? Is the West's current risk tolerance and strategic imagination sufficient to confront authoritarian regimes like Russia and China? Has the Russia-Ukraine war redefined Europe's strategic environment, and how should the West respond to this new geopolitical reality?

You can learn more about The War for Ukraine, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/War-Ukraine-Strategy-Adaptation-Under/dp/1682479528

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@WarintheFuture from @LowyInstitute

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Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episode 3: Downfall: Prigozhin, Putin, and the New Future of Russia with Mark Galeotti and Anna Arutunyan

Season 1 · Episode 3

Thursday, October 10, 2024 • Duration 45:36

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with Mark Galeotti and Anna Aruntunyan about their new book Downfall: Prigozhin, Putin, and the New Future of Russia. They examine the rise and fall of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, his failed coup against Putin, and his mysterious death in a plane crash. Through in-depth research, they explore Prigozhin's criminal past, his role in the war in Ukraine, and the political chaos under Putin, offering insight into Russia's uncertain future post-Prigozhin.

How do figures like Yevgeny Prigozhin and other "mini-garchs" maintain influence in Putin’s regime, and what does their rise and fall reveal about Russia's stability? How has Russia’s reliance on private actors like the Wagner Group shaped its domestic policies and global actions? How does the Western belief that Russia only responds to strength interact with the fragility of its autocratic system, potentially fueling increased paranoia and aggression?

You can learn more about Downfall: Prigozhin, Putin, and the New Future of Russia, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Downfall-Prigozhin-Putin-future-Russia/dp/1529927366

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@MarkGaleotti from @UCLSSEES, @RUSI_org, and @IIR_Prague

@scrawnya from @TheWilsonCenter, @kennaninstitute

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And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: Who will Defend Europe?: An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent with Keir Giles

Season 1 · Episode 5

Thursday, November 7, 2024 • Duration 48:44

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski sits down with Keir Giles, author of Who Will Defend Europe?, to tackle Europe’s defense dilemma in a world marked by resurgent threats. They discuss why Europe’s decades-long reliance on the United States has left it vulnerable, and why, with a distracted and divided America, the continent must rethink its approach to security. Giles unpacks NATO’s current challenges, the EU’s potential role in defense, and what new leadership in Europe might look like.

How can European nations and NATO balance immediate threats from Russia with long-term defense needs while supporting Ukraine? How has Europe’s shifting leadership affected its response to Russian aggression amid changing U.S. priorities and internal instability? How can NATO and Europe deter both conventional and hybrid Russian threats while avoiding escalation and maintaining alliance unity?

You can learn more about Who will Defend Europe?: An Awakened Russia and a Sleeping Continent, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Will-Defend-Europe-Continent/dp/1911723480

And read more of Keir’s work on strategies to deter Russian aggression here: https://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/21-09-23-what-deters-russia-giles.pdf

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@KeirGiles from @ChathamHouse

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Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Lost Decade - The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power with Richard Fontaine

Season 1 · Episode 4

Thursday, October 24, 2024 • Duration 44:12

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with Richard Fontaine, CEO of the Center for a New American Security, about his book The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power. They dive into the historic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Asia, and evaluate its successes and shortcomings more than a decade later. They also explore why the Indo-Pacific is now central to global power dynamics, how the U.S. can craft a more coherent approach to the region, and what it means for American security and the future of the international order.

What was the U.S. Pivot to Asia, and how did its strategic theory align with public and international expectations, including reactions from Europe and the Middle East? How did China’s actions between 2011-2021 influence U.S. national security and shape the broader geopolitical landscape during the Pivot to Asia? Looking at the present, where has the Pivot been successful, and what would a truly effective U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific look like moving forward?

You can learn more about Lost Decade - The U.S. Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Decade-Pivot-Chinese-Power/dp/0197677940

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@RHFontaine from @CNASdc

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America with Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware

Season 1 · Episode 6

Thursday, November 21, 2024 • Duration 49:12

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski sits down with Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, authors of God, Guns, and Sedition, to delve into the rise of far-right terrorism in America and its threat to democracy. They explore how conspiracy theories, white supremacism, and hostility to government have fueled a violent extremist movement, culminating in attacks like the Charleston church shooting and the January 6 Capitol riot. Hoffman and Ware discuss the movement’s use of cutting-edge tactics, infiltration of institutions, and its uneasy relationship with mainstream politics, while offering practical strategies to counter this growing threat.

How has far-right extremism evolved from historical events into a decentralized movement, and how has technology accelerated its growth? What role will advancements like AI play in shaping the future of this threat? How can governments and militaries balance treating far-right extremism as both a criminal and national security challenge while crafting effective countermeasures?

You can learn more about God, Guns, and Sedition: Far-Right Terrorism in America, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.cfr.org/book/god-guns-and-sedition

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@hoffman_bruce from @CFR_org

@Jacob_A_Ware from @CFR_org

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 7: Heart of War: Misadventures in the Pentagon with Kathleen McInnis

Season 1 · Episode 7

Thursday, December 5, 2024 • Duration 35:53

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with Kathleen McInnis, Director, Smart Women, Smart Power Initiative and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, about how her debut novel pulls back the curtain on the Pentagon—one of the most powerful yet misunderstood institutions in U.S. national security. Drawing from her background in defense policy, McInnis examines the personal and professional challenges faced by women navigating Washington’s corridors of power. They discuss how her experiences shaped the book’s exploration of Pentagon bureaucracy, moral dilemmas in warfare, and the toll of high-stakes decisions, while highlighting the humor, humanity, and resilience found amidst the chaos.

How did your experiences in defense policy shape The Heart of War, and what does it reveal about the Pentagon’s inner workings? How does its bureaucracy hinder innovation while balancing the need for efficiency in national security? How has the landscape for women in defense evolved, and what changes are still needed to meet today’s geopolitical challenges?

You can learn more about Heart of War: Misadventures in the Pentagon, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Heart-War-Misadventures-Pentagon/dp/1682616517

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

Kathleen McInnis from @CSIS

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 8: Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security with Sherri Goodman

Season 1 · Episode 8

Thursday, December 19, 2024 • Duration 40:17

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski is joined by Sherri Goodman, former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Environmental Security and expert on climate and national security, to discuss her work exploring climate change as a "threat multiplier." Goodman shares insights from her career and explores how climate and environmental challenges increasingly shape U.S. military strategy and global security dynamics. Goodman delves into the evolution of the Pentagon’s approach to climate resilience, from addressing nuclear waste cleanup to incorporating environmental sustainability into defense planning. She highlights the role of ecological cooperation with Russia during the Cold War and its lessons for today’s national security challenges.

How should the Department of Defense prepare for the intensifying impacts of climate change on U.S. and global infrastructure? Can environmental cooperation serve as a bridge to manage tensions with adversaries like China, even amid growing geopolitical competition? And what advice would Goodman offer to the next Secretary of Defense to ensure climate readiness remains a priority for decades to come?

You can learn more about Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security, and purchase a copy of the book, here: https://www.amazon.com/Threat-Multiplier-Military-Leadership-Security/dp/1642833266

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@GoodmanSherri from @PolarInstitute, @TheWilsonCenter

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special Episode: Coffee & Conflict Interview with General H.R. McMaster

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 42:12

Today on Coffee & Conflict, Joshua Huminski speaks with General H.R. McMaster (ret.) about the emerging axis of aggressors—Russia, China, and others—and what their coordinated challenges mean for American power and global stability. They discuss how these regimes are pushing for a return to a multipolar world, exploiting perceptions of American weakness, and contesting U.S. leadership. He also examines whether America’s 20th-century institutions are equipped for today’s geopolitical competition and why strategic empathy is essential for understanding our adversaries.

What’s driving the alignment between authoritarian powers—and can the U.S. effectively counter it? Is Washington thinking creatively enough to both pressure and engage rivals like Russia and China? How should American institutions adapt to compete in an era of disinformation, proxy conflicts, and strategic influence? And as Europe takes greater responsibility for its own defense, could that shift unintentionally weaken transatlantic unity?

Check out today’s experts on Twitter:

@joshuachuminski from @CSPC_DC

@LTGHRMcMaster from @HooverInst, @FSIStanford, @FDD_CMPP, and @Hudsoninstitute

Like what we're doing here?

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.

And don't forget to follow @masonnatsec on Twitter!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Coffee & Conflict – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Apple Podcasts

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Coffee & Conflict – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other9

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other9

Amazon9

Youtube1

Apple Podcasts

Spotify